Molecular recognition via face center representation of a molecular surface

While docking methodologies are now frequently being developed, a careful examination of the molecular surface representation, which necessarily is employed by them, is largely overlooked. There are two important aspects here that need to be addressed: how the surface representation quantifies surface complementarity, and whether a minimal representation is employed. Although complementarity is an accepted concept regarding molecular recognition, its quantification for computation is not trivial, and requires verification. A minimal representation is important because docking searches a conformation space whose extent and/or dimensionality grows quickly with the size of surface representation, making it especially costly with big molecules, imperfect interfaces, and changes of conformation that occur in binding. It is essential for a methodology to establish that it employs an accurate, concise molecular surface representation. Here we employ the face center representation of molecular surface, developed by Lin et al., to investigate the complementarity of molecular interface. We study a wide variety of complexes: protein/small ligand, oligomeric chain-chain interfaces, proteinase/protein inhibitors, antibody/antigen, NMR structures, and complexes built from unbound, separately solved structures. The complementarity is examined at different levels of reduction, and hence roughness, of the surface representation, from one that describes subatomic details to a very sparse one that captures only the prominent features on the surface. Our simulation of molecular recognition indicates that in all cases, quality interface complementarity is obtained. We show that the representation is powerful in monitoring the complementarity either in its entirety, or in selected subsets that maintain a fraction of the face centers, and is capable of supporting molecular docking at high fidelity and efficiency. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that the presence of explicit hydrogens in molecular structures may not benefit docking, and that the different classes of protein complexes may hold slightly different degrees of interface complementarity.

Protein-protein interfaces: architectures and interactions in protein-protein interfaces and in protein cores. Their similarities and differences

Protein structures generally consist of favorable folding motifs formed by specific arrangements of secondary structure elements. Similar architectures can be adopted by different amino acids sequences, although the details of the structures vary. It has long been known that despite the sequence variability, there is a striking preferential conservation of the hydrophobic character of the amino acids at the buried positions of these folding motifs. Differences in the sizes of the side-chains are accommodated by movements of the secondary structure elements with respect to each other, leading to compact packing. Scanning protein-protein interfaces reveals that similar architectures are also observed at and around their interacting surfaces, with preservation of the hydrophobic character, although not to the same extent. The general forces that determine the origin of the native structures of proteins have been investigated intensively. The major non-bonded forces operating on a protein chain as it folds into a three-dimensional structure are likely to be packing, the hydrophobic effect, and electrostatic interactions. While the substantial hydrophobic forces lead to a compact conformation, they are also nonspecific and cannot serve as a guide to a conformationally unique structure. For the general folding problem, it thus appears that packing is a prime candidate for determining a particular fold. Specific hydrogen-bonding patterns and salt-bridges have also been proposed to play a role. Inspection of protein-protein interfaces reveals that the hallmarks governing single chain protein structures also determine their interactions, suggesting that similar principles underlie protein folding and protein-protein associations. This review focuses on some aspects of protein-protein interfaces, particularly on the architectures and their interactions. These are compared with those present in protein monomers. This task is facilitated by the recently compiled, non-redundant structural dataset of protein-protein interfaces derived from the crystallographic database. In particular, although current view holds that protein-protein interfaces and interactions are similar to those found in the conformations of single-chain proteins, this review brings forth the differences as well. Not only is it logical that such differences would exist, it is these differences that further illuminate protein folding on the one hand and protein-protein recognition on the other. These are also particularly important in considering inhibitor (ligand) design.

Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in a Turner syndrome variant with IsoXq. A case report

BACKGROUND

Performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on uncultured amniotic fluid cells has been known to produce rapid diagnoses of major chromosomal aberrations. However, if the aberration involves a structural chromosomal anomaly, the FISH result may be not only uninformative but misleading.

CASE

FISH with alpha-satellite probes of chromosomes X and Y was performed on the uncultured amniocytes of a prenatal amniotic fluid specimen. Eighty-five percent of the hybridized interphase nuclei displayed two signals when probing with X; no significant hybridization was found when probing with Y. This FISH result was interpreted as normal, disomic for chromosome X. Cytogenetic analysis later, however, disclosed the fetal karyotype to be 46,X,i(Xq).

CONCLUSION

Interphase FISH with an alpha-satellite probe (or probe made of repeat centromeric sequences) may be useful in the detection of a numerical anomaly of a chromosome but not of a structural anomaly within the chromosome itself.

Inhibition of c-fos proto-oncogene induction by Sch 52900 and Sch 52901, novel diketopiperazine produced by Gliocladium sp

Sch 52900 (1) and Sch 52901 (2), two new inhibitors of c-fos proto-oncogene induction, have been isolated from the fermentation of broth of the fungal culture (SCF-1168), Gliocladium sp. Along with compounds 1 and 2, a known compound verticillin A (3) was also obtained from the culture. Structure elucidation of 1 and 2, accomplished by analysis of spectral data in comparison with the data of 3, revealed both 1 and 2 were found to be closely related to the verticillin family of diketopiperazines. All three compounds prevented serum-stimulated transcription of the human c-fos promoter, using a fos/lac Z reporter gene assay, with IC50 values of 1.5, 18 and 0.5 microM of 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Northern analysis revealed the exposure of cells to compound 3 causes inhibition of both phorbol ester-induced c-fos induction of serum-induced JE induction in the absence of inhibiting RNA synthesis, as measured by [3H]uridine incorporation. There results suggest that this class of compounds exerts antitumor activity by blocking a signal transduction pathway that is common to and necessary for the induction of at least a subset of immediate early genes involved in cell proliferation.

Pneumatic reduction of intussusception in children

Over the past decade, pneumatic reduction has been increasingly accepted as the treatment of choice for pediatric intussusception. However the effectiveness of air compared with the more traditional barium reduction of intussusception continues to be a source of concern and debate. From August 1993 to November 1994, pneumatic reduction was used to treat 75 episodes in 73 patients with proven intussusception at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan. Two patients underwent air reduction twice because of recurrence following an initial successful reduction. The recurrence rate was 3%. Successful reduction was achieved in 65/75 (87%) episodes. None of the patients experienced any complications following the procedure. In two of the 10 patients in whom reduction failed, one was subsequently found to have a Meckel's diverticulum and the other a duplication cyst as a leading point. This prospective study indicates that air enema is a safe and effective form of treatment for intussusception in infants and children. Pneumatic reduction should be the treatment of choice in the initial management of intussusception.

A disulphide-reinforced structural scaffold shared by small proteins with diverse functions

We describe the T-knot scaffold, a structural feature shared by the EGF-like proteins, alpha-toxins and proteinase inhibitors from plants.

Ischemic bowel secondary to angiocentric T-cell lymphoma of intestine: a case report

A case of intestinal angiocentric T-cell lymphoma is reported, occurring in a 72-year-old female who had suffered from poor appetite, body weight loss and abdominal pain for two months. Plain abdominal film revealed ileus, and she received laparotomy under the impression of ischemic bowel. Surprisingly, pathologic examination disclosed an angiocentric T-cell lymphoma of jejunum complicated with focal intestinal necrosis. This case emphasizes the angiocentric and angioinvasive character of some T-cell lymphomas. Angiocentric T-cell lymphoma must be considered as a possible cause of ischemic bowel.

Molecular surface complementarity at protein-protein interfaces: the critical role played by surface normals at well placed, sparse, points in docking

Rigid-body docking of two molecules involves matching of their surfaces. A successful docking methodology considers two key issues: molecular surface representation, and matching. While approaches to the problem differ, they all employ certain surface geometric features. While surface normals are routinely created with molecular surfaces, their employment has surprisingly been almost completely overlooked. Here we show how the normals to the surface, at specific, well placed points, can play a critical role in molecular docking. If the points for which the normals are calculated represent faithfully and accurately the molecular surfaces, the normals can substantially ameliorate the efficiency of the docking in a number of ways. The normals can drastically reduce the combinatorial complexity of the receptor-ligand docking. Furthermore, they can serve as a powerful filter in screening for quality docked conformations. Below we show how deploying such a straight forward device, which is easy to calculate, large protein-protein molecules are docked with unparalleled short times and with a manageable number of potential solutions. Considering the facts that here we dock (1) two large protein molecules, including several large immunoglobulin-lysozyme complexes; (2) that we use the entire molecular surfaces, without a predefinition of the active sites, or of the epitopes, of neither the ligand nor the receptor; that (3) the docking is completely automated, without any labelling, or pre-specification, of the input structural database, and (4) with a single set of parameters, without any further tuning whatsoever, such results are highly desirable. This approach is specifically geared towards matching of the surfaces of large protein molecules and is not applicable to small molecule drugs.

Carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland on CT

Three cases of carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland, two in the submandibular gland, and one in the parotid, were investigated with CT and exhibited a variety of findings. The density of the tumors was lower than that of normal submandibular tissue. A calcification was found in one case. One case showed extensive lymphadenopathy. The parotid lesion had low central density with an enhancing margin.

Zygomycotic lung abscess: a case report

Zygomycosis is an uncommon, but frequently fatal, fungal infection caused by members of the class Zygomycetes. The risk factors include diabetes mellitus, uremia, leukemia and use of deferoxamine as an iron-chelating agent; healthy persons also are occasionally infected. Those fungi, spread by their ubiquitous spores, most frequently involve the respiratory system. Rhinocerebral zygomycosis occurs predominantly in patients with uncontrolled diabetic ketoacidosis. Pulmonary zygomycosis most frequently is observed in granulocytopenic and corticosteroid-treated patients. Other clinical manifestations are gastrointestinal, cutaneous, disseminated and miscellaneous. This report concerns a previously robust farmer who suffered from left upper lung abscess caused by Rhizopus spp.-one member of the order Mucorales. Initially, it was intended to administer amphotericin B to a total dose of 2,000 mg; however, the patient could not tolerate such side effects as nausea, vomiting and refused further management when the cumulative dose was 948 mg. However, he did recover without further fever and cough. Chest X-ray, followed every three months, disclosed satisfactory improvement.

Psoas abscess due to mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix: a case report

Psoas muscle abscess is an uncommon and challenging entity. The present report describes a 64-year-old man presenting with right flank mass. Abdominal computerized tomography showed a right psoas abscess. Extraperitoneal drainage was performed, and pathology revealed metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma. After further study, laparotomy and right hemicolectomy were performed under the impression of colon cancer. The final pathology showed mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of appendix. The literature about the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of psoas abscess are reviewed. Additionally, the treatment and prognosis for mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix are noted.

A geometry-based suite of molecular docking processes

We have developed a geometry-based suite of processes for molecular docking. The suite consists of a molecular surface representation, a docking algorithm, and a surface inter-penetration and contact filter. The surface representation is composed of a sparse set of critical points (with their associated normals) positioned at the face centers of the molecular surface, providing a concise yet representative set. The docking algorithm is based on the Geometric Hashing technique, which indexes the critical points with their normals in a transformation invariant fashion preserving the multi-element geometric constraints. The inter-penetration and surface contact filter features a three-layer scoring system, through which docked models with high contact area and low clashes are funneled. This suite of processes enables a pipelined operation of molecular docking with high efficacy. Accurate and fast docking has been achieved with a rich collection of complexes and unbound molecules, including protein-protein and protein-small molecule associations. An energy evaluation routine assesses the intermolecular interactions of the funneled models obtained from the docking of the bound molecules by pairwise van der Waals and Coulombic potentials. Applications of this routine demonstrate the goodness of the high scoring, geometrically docked conformations of the bound crystal complexes.

A study of four-helix bundles: investigating protein folding via similar architectural motifs in protein cores and in subunit interfaces

Four-helix bundles are identified and characterized in the subunit interfaces of protein multimers. We find that this motif occurs as often in the interfaces as in the protein monomers. Common and different characteristics demonstrated by the bundles in the two environments suggest the possible stabilization mechanisms of the bundles via cooperative helical twist, dipole alignment and interhelical connections. Nucleation of parallel helix pairs may be a favourable pathway before the pairs couple into bundles during folding. Certain properties found chaotic in the interface four-helix bundles indicate that either the subunit association is far from the global minimum conformation, or that the footprints of the folding pathway are recorded in these properties.

Acute treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation and flutter with a tailored dosing regimen of intravenous amiodarone. A randomized, digoxin-controlled study

A 24 h intravenous dosing regimen of amiodarone was designed to reach a peak plasma concentration at 1 h and to maintain the concentration above a certain level during the infusion period. A randomized, open-label, digoxin-controlled study was undertaken to observe the efficacy and safety of the dosing regimen of amiodarone in treating recent-onset, persistent, atrial fibrillation and flutter with ventricular rates above 130 beats.min-1. Fifty patients with a mean age of 70 +/- 7 (SD) years were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either amiodarone intravenously (n = 26) or digoxin (n = 24). Amiodarone HCl was infused over 24 h according to the following regimen: 5 mg.min-1, 3 mg.min-1, 1 mg.min-1 and 0.5 mg.min-1 for 1, 3, 6 and 14 h, respectively, for a 70-kg subject. Digoxin (0.013 mg.kg-1) was infused in three divided doses, each dose 2 h apart and infused over 30 min. The mean heart rates in the amiodarone group decreased significantly from 157 +/- 20 beats.min-1 to 122 +/- 25 beats.min-1 after 1 h (P < 0.05 vs baseline), and then decreased further to stabilize at 96 +/- 25 beats.min-1 after 6 h (P < 0.05). The digoxin group had fewer dramatic alterations in heart rates, compared to the amiodarone group, in the first 8 h (P < 0.05, respectively). Maximum reduction was reached only after 8 h. The amiodarone infusion was prematurely aborted in two patients due to severe bradycardia and death after conversion in one patient and aggravation of heart failure in the other.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Functional domains of delta antigens and viral RNA required for RNA packaging of hepatitis delta virus

The functions of delta antigens (HDAgs) in the morphogenesis of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) have been studied previously. The C terminus of large HDAg has been shown to complex with the small surface antigen (HBsAg) of helper hepatitis B virus, whereas the assembly of small HDAg requires interaction with the N terminus of large HDAg (M.-F. Chang, C.-J. Chen, and S. C. Chang, J. Virol. 68:646-653, 1994). To further examine the molecular mechanisms by which HDAgs are involved in the assembly of HDV RNA, we have cotransfected Huh-7 cells with plasmids representing a longer than unit-length HDV and the small HBsAg cDNAs. We found that HDAg mRNA could be generated from an endogenous promoter within the HDV cDNA that was translated into large HDAg. Large HDAg is capable of complexing with monomeric HDV genomic RNA to form ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) and is capable of forming enveloped HDV-like particles in the presence of small HBsAg without undergoing HDV replication. In addition, the middle region from amino acid residues 89 to 145 of large HDAg is required for assembly of the RNPs but is dispensable for assembly of the enveloped particles. RNA assembly is also demonstrated with small HDAg when it is cotransfected with a packaging-defective large HDAg mutant and small HBsAg. Leu-115 within the putative helix-loop-helix structure of the small HDAg is important for the replication of HDV but is not essential for RNA assembly, suggesting that conformational requirements of small HDAg for replication and assembly of viral RNA may be different. Further studies indicate that a 312-nucleotide linear HDV RNA from one end of the HDV and structure is sufficient to form RNP complexes competent for assembly of virus-like particles with large HDAg and small HBsAg.

Legionnaires' disease with acute renal failure: report of two cases

Acute renal failure in Legionnaires' disease is rare, but the mortality rate is high [1-3]. Although the actual pathogenesis is not clear, the renal pathology discloses either acute tubulointerstitial nephritis or acute tubular necrosis in most cases [3]. We report two cases of Legionnaires' disease complicated by acute renal failure. One patient was completely healthy before, and the other had underlying gouty arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Their renal function was normal before these episodes. The diagnosis of Legionella infection was proved by the indirect fluorescent antibody test on paired sera. After erythromycin treatment, both patients survived. One patient required long-term maintenance hemodialysis, and the other recovered to only mild azotemia after a follow-up period of 5 months. Including our cases, only 55 patients have been reported to have Legionella-induced acute renal failure. This is a rare and serious complication of Legionnaires' disease. Early recognition and treatment is mandatory.

Do immunosuppressants cause posttransplant diabetes mellitus?

BACKGROUND

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) was originally described by Starzl in 1964. The incidence is around 3-46%, according to several reports. Etiologies and risk factors of PTDM have been discussed after it was described and recognized as a complication of renal transplantation.

METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive renal transplants in 24 recipients were reviewed, and 3 cases of posttransplant diabetes mellitus were found. Cyclosporine A (CsA), Azathioprine (Aza) dose and maintenance dose of Prednisolone (Pred.), rejection episodes, total dosage of steroid used at the time of acute rejection were carefully recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of 3 living-related and 22 cadaveric transplant recipients was 32.7 +/- 7.5 and 33.5 +/- 6.8 years in PTDM and non-PTDM patients, and the onset of PTDM was, on the average, 11.3 +/- 10.6 months. Comparative studies between non-PTDM and PTDM groups showed that age, rejection episodes, total dose of methylprednisolone used in acute rejection, CsA level, and dosage of CsA, Aza and prednisolone at 1,6,12 and 24 months were not significantly different from one another.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant risk factors or definitive mechanism involved in the development of PTDM were identified in this study. It is suggested that immunosuppressants are involved in the occurrence of PTDM, and probably neither a single factor is responsible nor is dose dependency involved.

Evaluation of adverse reactions of aponidine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution

We prospectively evaluated the adverse reactions of apraclonidine in 20 normal volunteers by instilling a single drop of 1% apraclonidine in their right eyes. Examinations, including blood pressure, pulse rate, conjunctiva and cornea, intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter, basal tear secretion and margin reflex distance of both upper and lower eyelids, were performed prior to entry and at 1, 3, 5 and 7 hours after instillation. The ocular hypotensive effects were statistically significant for apraclonidine-treated eyes throughout the study and also statistically significant for contralateral eyes from three hours after topical administration of 1% apraclonidine. Decreases in systolic blood pressure were statistically, but not clinically, significant. No significant changes in diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and basal tear secretion were noted. Conjunctival blanching and mydriasis were commonly found. Upper lid retraction was frequently noted. While the elevations of the upper lid margin in most subjects were not more than 2 mm and did not cause noticeable change in appearance, one subject suffered from mechanical entropion and marked corneal abrasion 3 hours after instillation of the medication. This may well be a particularly notable finding in Asian people.

A possible relation between pressure loading and thickened leaflets of the aortic valve: a model simulation

A much smaller percentage of thickened leaflets of the aortic valve have been found in the right or left coronary leaflet than in the noncoronary leaflet. This study investigated the pressure loading transferring to the leaflets of the aortic valve and their effects on the valvular thickening. A simple ascending aorta model was established, and a simulation was made. The pressure loading in the coronary and noncoronary leaflets then were estimated. The simulation results showed that 5.8% to 17.% percentage of pressure loading to the coronary leaflet may be decreased by the coronary perfusion in diastole. The coronary arteries play an important role on pressures in the sinuses of Valsalva. The smaller pressure loading transferring to the coronary leaflet than that to the noncoronary leaflet is one reasonable explanation related to the thickened leaflets of the aortic valve.

Effects of copper concentration on mineral nutrient uptake and copper accumulation in protein of copper-tolerant and nontolerant Lotus purshianus L

One copper-tolerant and one copper-sensitive inbred line of Lotus purshianus L. derived from a copper mine waste site in Northern California and one inbred line of the same species derived from a pasture next to the mine waste were examined for the effects of excessive copper concentrations on mineral nutrient uptake and accumulation of copper in protein fractions. Plants were grown from seeds for a period of 24 days in a modified Hoagland nutrient solution culture supplemented with 3, 6, and 10 microM copper as copper sulfate. The basal nutrient solution without copper amendment was used as the control treatment. The uptake of Cu found in the roots was 100 times or more than that in the leaves. The root tissue copper concentrations reached a plateau under 6 microM copper treatment. The leaf tissue copper concentrations increased with the increase of copper concentration in the solution culture. No difference in pattern of copper uptake was detected between the copper-tolerant and nontolerant plants. The effects of excessive copper concentrations caused reduction of Ca uptake in the leaf tissue and P uptake in both the root and leaf tissues, and no difference was found between the copper-tolerant and nontolerant plants. Increased tissue copper concentration caused greater reduction of Fe, Mn, and Zn uptake in the nontolerant plants than in the tolerant plants; this difference may be important for the growth of the tolerant plants under conditions of excessive copper concentrations. Protein extracted from the roots and leaves of both the copper tolerant and nontolerant plants was subjected to Sephadex G-75 column separation. Two major peaks of protein fractions were detected. Under low (normal level) copper concentration treatment, the copper-tolerant and nontolerant plants had similar Cu/protein ratios. However, under high copper concentration challenged conditions the copper-tolerant plant had a considerably greater Cu/protein ratio (peak II protein) than the nontolerant plants. The amino acid composition of the copper-rich protein fraction (peak II) extracted from both the tolerant and nontolerant plants demonstrated a high asparate (about 25%) content. The contents of glutamate, cystine, and glycine were about 11, 2.5, and 10%, respectively, and the rest of the amino acids were in a range of 2 to 6%. This pattern of amino acid composition is different from the amino acid composition of the phytochelatin metallothionein-like proteins found in copper-tolerant plants which are very high in cysteine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Vasodilator therapy in chronic asymptomatic aortic regurgitation: enalapril versus hydralazine therapy

OBJECTIVES

This study attempted to evaluate the long-term efficacy of enalapril versus hydralazine therapy on left ventricular volume, mass and function as well as on the renin-angiotensin system in chronic asymptomatic aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND

We tested the hypothesis that early administration of a vasodilator drug might be able to reduce left ventricular dilation and mass expansion. Because the renin-angiotensin system may be activated in chronic aortic regurgitation, early enalapril therapy might be beneficial.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 1993, 76 asymptomatic nonrheumatic patients with mild to severe chronic aortic regurgitation were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind trial comparing enalapril with hydralazine. All patients underwent serial noninvasive studies. Seventy patients completed the 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

At 1 year, patients receiving enalapril had a significant reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes (124 +/- 15 vs. 108 +/- 17 ml/m2, p < 0.01; 50 +/- 12 vs. 40 +/- 14 ml/m2, p < 0.01, respectively) and mass index (131 +/- 16 vs. 113 +/- 19 g/m2, p < 0.01), whereas hydralazine therapy showed no significant changes. Both regimens not only had a significant reduction in left ventricular mean wall stress but also had a mild increase in exercise duration. Only enalapril therapy achieved a significant inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system, in contrast to hydralazine therapy. Moreover, the multiple r2 value from the analysis for end-diastolic volume index using the two variables of age and treatment drugs was 72.1% (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both regimens decrease left ventricular mean wall stress. Enalapril therapy achieves significant left ventricular mass regression, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index reduction and renin-angiotensin system suppression. These findings suggest that early unloading enalapril therapy has the potential to favorably influence the natural history of chronic aortic regurgitation.

Shape complementarity at protein-protein interfaces

A matching algorithm using surface complementarity between receptor and ligand protein molecules is outlined. The molecular surfaces are represented by "critical points," describing holes and knobs. Holes (maxima of a shape function) are matched with knobs (minima). This simple and appealing surface representation has been previously described by Connolly [(1986) Biopolymers, Vol. 25, pp. 1229-1247]. However, attempts to implement this description in a docking scheme have been unsuccessful (e.g., Connolly, ibid.). In order to decrease the combinatorial complexity, and to make the execution time affordable, four critical hole/knob point matches were sought. This approach failed since some bound interfaces are relatively flat and do not possess four critical point matches. On the otherhand, matchings of fewer critical points require a very time-consuming, full conformational (grid) space search [Wang, (1991) Journal of Computational Chemistry, Vol. 12, pp. 746-750]. Here we show that despite the initial failure of this approach, with a simple and straightforward modification in the matching algorithm, this surface representation works well. Out of the 16 protein-protein complexes we have tried, 15 were successfully docked, including two immunoglobulins. The entire molecular surfaces were considered, with absolutely no additional information regarding the binding sites. The whole process is completely automated, with no manual intervention, either in the input atomic coordinate data, or in the matching. We have been able to reach this level of performance with the hole/knob surface description by using pairs of critical points along with their surface normals in the calculation of the transformation matrix. The success of this approach suggests that future docking methods should use geometric docking as the first screening filter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Three-dimensional, sequence order-independent structural comparison of a serine protease against the crystallographic database reveals active site similarities: potential implications to evolution and to protein folding

We have recently developed a fast approach to comparisons of 3-dimensional structures. Our method is unique, treating protein structures as collections of unconnected points (atoms) in space. It is completely independent of the amino acid sequence order. It is unconstrained by insertions, deletions, and chain directionality. It matches single, isolated amino acids between 2 different structures strictly by their spatial positioning regardless of their relative sequential position in the amino acid chain. It automatically detects a recurring 3D motif in protein molecules. No predefinition of the motif is required. The motif can be either in the interior of the proteins or on their surfaces. In this work, we describe an enhancement over our previously developed technique, which considerably reduces the complexity of the algorithm. This results in an extremely fast technique. A typical pairwise comparison of 2 protein molecules requires less than 3 s on a workstation. We have scanned the structural database with dozens of probes, successfully detecting structures that are similar to the probe. To illustrate the power of this method, we compare the structure of a trypsin-like serine protease against the structural database. Besides detecting homologous trypsin-like proteases, we automatically obtain 3D, sequence order-independent, active-site similarities with subtilisin-like and sulfhydryl proteases. These similarities equivalence isolated residues, not conserving the linear order of the amino acids in the chains. The active-site similarities are well known and have been detected by manually inspecting the structures in a time-consuming, laborious procedure. This is the first time such equivalences are obtained automatically from the comparison of full structures. The far-reaching advantages and the implications of our novel algorithm to studies of protein folding, to evolution, and to searches for pharmacophoric patterns are discussed.

Molecular surface representations by sparse critical points

We have defined a molecular surface representation that describes precisely and concisely the complete molecular surface. The representation consists of a limited number of critical points disposed at key locations over the surface. These points adequately represent the shape and the important characteristics of the surface, despite the fact that they are modest in number. We expect the representation to be useful in areas such as molecular recognition and visualization. In particular, using this representation, we are able to achieve accurate and efficient protein-protein and protein-small molecule docking.

Different pressure gradients can be produced in a fixed stenosis--an in vitro study

An in vitro study was conducted, using a stenotic model to demonstrate that different pressure gradients can be produced by the same degree of valvular stenosis. This model is comprised of two cylindric chambers with a diaphragm in the center which had a small central hole. An injector was connected to one end of the prestenotic chamber to produce a steady pulsed flow. A rubber tube was connected to the other end of the poststenotic chamber and led upward to a large reservoir which provided a constant afterload pressure. Two pressure transducers were attached to the two connecting tubes, both linked with two pigtail catheters which were accommodated in the chambers just before and after the stenotic diaphragm. Two sets of injection volumes (20 and 30 ml) and multiple injections with different flow rates (5, 10, 15,...49 ml/s) were administered and resulting pressures measured by the two transducers were recorded. Results showed that different pressure gradients could be produced using the same injection volume, the same afterload, and the same degree of stenosis. The greater the flow rate, the higher the pressure gradient. Good correlation existed between the pressure gradient and the injection flow rate (r = 0.95 and 0.97 for the study groups receiving 20 and 30 ml injection volumes, respectively; p < 0.001 in all comparisons). Thus, a higher pressure gradient may not necessarily indicate a severe degree of valvular stenosis. Evaluation of a stenotic lesion should not be made from the degree of pressure gradient alone--other hemodynamic conditions should also be taken into account.

Primary nasal melanoma with exclusive liver metastasis: a case report

A 50-year-old male presented with a nasal mass causing obstruction and bleeding. The initial biopsy indicated a malignant lymphoma but the subsequent biopsy diagnosed an undifferentiated carcinoma. However, histopathological study and immunohistochemical study, made a final diagnosis of nasal melanoma. Six months after the diagnosis, the patient developed exclusive liver metastasis. He responded to 1 course of intensive chemotherapy with 200 mg/m2 cisplatin and 5000 mg/m2 dacarbazine for 6 months. For patients with nasal cavity malignancy, the possibility of primary melanoma should be considered. Combination chemotherapy with intensive dose of cisplatin and dacarbazine may be a viable treatment regimen for nasal melanoma with liver metastasis.

Mitral regurgitation after double balloon or Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty

We performed serial color Doppler echocardiographic studies prospectively before and after double balloon or Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty in 44 patients (mean age 45 +/- 13, range 20-74) with pure rheumatic mitral stenosis (by angiography) selected in a case-control manner to compare the incidence and severity of mitral regurgitation. After balloon dilation, mitral valve area increased from 0.9 +/- 0.2 to 1.5 +/- 0.4 cm2 (p < 0.001) in the double balloon group and from 0.9 +/- 0.3 to 1.5 +/- 0.3 cm2 (p < 0.001) in the Inoue balloon group. Twenty-four hours after balloon dilation, 3 patients in the double balloon group and 12 patients in the Inoue balloon group developed moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (p < 0.05). The severity of mitral regurgitation tended to persist or progress during follow-up in both groups, although improvement could also be observed. Two patients with severe mitral regurgitation in the Inoue balloon group underwent mitral valve replacement during follow-up. In conclusion, double balloon and Inoue balloon techniques are both effective in relieving significant mitral stenosis. However, Inoue balloon technique may be associated with slightly higher frequency of mitral regurgitation.

Comparison of sublingual captopril, nifedipine and prazosin in hypertensive emergencies during hemodialysis

Hypertensive emergencies in hemodialysis require immediate therapy, usually by parenteral drug administration; however, sublingual medications may have potential in this special condition. Sublingual captopril (25 mg), nifedipine (10 mg) and prazosin (2 mg) were prescribed to determine the effectiveness and safety of each medication in the treatment of hypertensive emergencies during hemodialysis. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously up to 120 min postdose. The response rates were 83% for captopril, 90% for nifedipine and 11% for prazosin. The significant hypotensive effects of both sublingual captopril and nifedipine occurred at 10 min and continued up to 120 min. The reduction of systolic blood pressure occurred earlier in nifedipine than captopril (10 vs. 15 min). No significant difference in heart rate between them was noted. There were no side effects in the captopril group but flushing, tachycardia and headache were observed in 4 patients of the nifedipine group. We concluded that sublingual captopril and nifedipine were effective but captopril seemed to have less side effects than nifedipine and may be an excellent alternative to sublingual nifedipine in the urgent treatment of hypertensive emergencies in hemodialysis. Prazosin was not recommended because of its low response rate.

A biometric study of ocular changes during accommodation

We performed a biometric study that used A-mode ultrasonography on 106 subjects during ocular accommodation. The subjects were divided into two groups; group 1 included 76 subjects and group 2 included 30 subjects. In group 1, we measured the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and axial length in the right eye while the left eye, wearing corrective spectacles, focused at distances of 6 m, 33 cm, and 33 cm with an additional correction of +3.0 diopters to offset any accommodative effect. In group 2, we measured the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and axial length in the right eye while the left eye focused at distances of 6 m, 33 cm, and 12.5 cm. Similar to the left eyes in group 1, the left eyes in group 2 wore corrective spectacles during all procedures. During accommodation, decreased anterior chamber depth and thickening of the lens were noted in all cases. In group 1, axial length significantly increased an average of 0.06 +/- 0.01 mm (P < .0005) while the left eye focused at a distance of 33 cm. There were no significant changes with the additional +3.0 diopters (P < .05). In group 2, axial length significantly increased an average of 0.05 +/- 0.01 mm (P < .0005) when the left eye focused at a distance of 33 cm, and there was further significant elongation of 0.05 +/- 0.01 mm when the left eye focused at a distance of 12.5 cm. Collectively, these results suggest that axial length increases along with changes in the lens and anterior chamber depth during ocular accommodation.

A monoclonal antibody against a novel 20-kDa protein induces cell adhesion and cytoskeleton-dependent morphologic changes

A new murine IgA mAb (JKT.M1), developed against Jurkat T cells chronically infected with HIV IIIB induces in vitro homotypic aggregation in several hemopoietic cell lines. The JKT.M1 Ag is expressed on a wide variety of cell types including human lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, RBC, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, many T cell lines, myelomonocytic cell lines, and a primate kidney cell line. The JKT.M1 Ag shows differential expression on myelomonocytic cells; it is present on K562 and HL60 cell lines, which represent precursors of E and monocytes, respectively, but is not expressed on the surface of U937 and THP-1 cell lines, which appear to represent intermediate cell types of the monocytic cell lineage. However, the JKT.M1 Ag is expressed on mature peripheral blood monocytes and the MonoMac cell line. Immunoprecipitation from cell lysates (Jurkat, SupT1, PBMC, MonoMac) with the JKT.M1 mAb yields a 20-kDa Ag with few if any carbohydrate residues as determined by N-glycanase and neuraminidase treatments. The pI appears acidic by two-dimensional gel analysis, and the nonreduced form migrates more slowly than the reduced form when analyzed by SDS-PAGE suggesting the presence of intramolecular disulfide bridge(s). JKT.M1 mAb-induced cell adhesion is shown to be divalent cation- and temperature-dependent. The adhesion induced by JKT.M1 mAb is inhibited by 20 microM cytochalasin B and also by 2 mM 2-deoxyglucose plus 10 mM sodium azide suggesting that cytoskeletal changes and metabolic energy are required. Aggregation induced by JKT.M1 appears to be independent of CD43, CD44, and VLA4 (CD29/CD49d), mAb against which have also been shown to induce homotypic cell adhesion. Anti-CD18 mAb have been shown to inhibit homotypic aggregation in other studies but failed to do so in the present study. Thus JKT.M1-induced adhesion also appears to be independent of CD18, the beta-chain of leukocyte integrins. However, like mAb against LFA-1, immobilized JKT.M1 stimulates a T cell line to undergo dramatic morphologic changes which could be enhanced by the addition of phorbol ester. These data suggest that the novel 20-kDa molecule recognized by the JKT.M1 mAb may trigger cell adhesion through a previously undescribed mechanism.

A monoclonal antibody against a novel 20-kDa protein induces cell adhesion and cytoskeleton-dependent morphologic changes

A new murine IgA mAb (JKT.M1), developed against Jurkat T cells chronically infected with HIV IIIB induces in vitro homotypic aggregation in several hemopoietic cell lines. The JKT.M1 Ag is expressed on a wide variety of cell types including human lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, RBC, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, many T cell lines, myelomonocytic cell lines, and a primate kidney cell line. The JKT.M1 Ag shows differential expression on myelomonocytic cells; it is present on K562 and HL60 cell lines, which represent precursors of E and monocytes, respectively, but is not expressed on the surface of U937 and THP-1 cell lines, which appear to represent intermediate cell types of the monocytic cell lineage. However, the JKT.M1 Ag is expressed on mature peripheral blood monocytes and the MonoMac cell line. Immunoprecipitation from cell lysates (Jurkat, SupT1, PBMC, MonoMac) with the JKT.M1 mAb yields a 20-kDa Ag with few if any carbohydrate residues as determined by N-glycanase and neuraminidase treatments. The pI appears acidic by two-dimensional gel analysis, and the nonreduced form migrates more slowly than the reduced form when analyzed by SDS-PAGE suggesting the presence of intramolecular disulfide bridge(s). JKT.M1 mAb-induced cell adhesion is shown to be divalent cation- and temperature-dependent. The adhesion induced by JKT.M1 mAb is inhibited by 20 microM cytochalasin B and also by 2 mM 2-deoxyglucose plus 10 mM sodium azide suggesting that cytoskeletal changes and metabolic energy are required. Aggregation induced by JKT.M1 appears to be independent of CD43, CD44, and VLA4 (CD29/CD49d), mAb against which have also been shown to induce homotypic cell adhesion. Anti-CD18 mAb have been shown to inhibit homotypic aggregation in other studies but failed to do so in the present study. Thus JKT.M1-induced adhesion also appears to be independent of CD18, the beta-chain of leukocyte integrins. However, like mAb against LFA-1, immobilized JKT.M1 stimulates a T cell line to undergo dramatic morphologic changes which could be enhanced by the addition of phorbol ester. These data suggest that the novel 20-kDa molecule recognized by the JKT.M1 mAb may trigger cell adhesion through a previously undescribed mechanism.

Optimization character of inspiratory neural drive

A previous optimal chemical-mechanical model (C.-S. Poon. J. Appl. Physiol. 62: 2447-2459, 1987) suggested that the normal ventilatory responses to CO2 and exercise inputs and mechanical loading can be predicted by the minimization of a controller objective function consisting of the total chemical and mechanical costs of breathing. In this study the model was generalized to include a description of the inspiratory neuromuscular drive as the control output. With a mechanical work rate index for both inspiration and expiration, the general optimization model accurately reproduced the observed responses in the waveshape of inspiratory drive, breathing pattern, and total ventilation under differing conditions of CO2 inhalation, exercise, and inspiratory/expiratory mechanical loads. The simulation results are in general agreement with a wide range of respiratory phenomena, including exercise hyperpnea, CO2 chemoreflex, and post-inspiratory (postinflow) inspiratory activity, as well as respiratory neural compensations for mechanical loading, respiratory muscle fatigue, and muscle weakness.

Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography for the detection of left atrial thrombi in patients with rheumatic heart disease

Transesophageal (TEE) and transthoracic (TTE) echocardiograms were performed in 110 patients with rheumatic heart disease to evaluate the usefulness of these methods for the detection of left atrial thrombi. TEE was better than TTE for detecting left atrial thrombi (21 vs 9). The thrombi not detected by TTE were in the left atrial appendage in ten and over the left atrial posterior wall in two. Patients with left atrial thrombi had significantly smaller mitral valve area (P less than 0.01) and greater left atrial dimension (P less than 0.05) than those without. All patients with left atrial thrombi had atrial fibrillation. Thirty-one patients underwent surgical intervention and 13 were found to have left atrial thrombi. TEE detected left atrial thrombi in all 13 patients with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 100%, while TTE detected left atrial thrombi in only nine of these 13 patients with a sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 87.1%. Thus, TEE is superior to TTE for the detection of left atrial thrombi, especially for those thrombi located in the left atrial appendage and along the left atrial posterior wall.

Left ventricular opacification after peripheral venous injection of a modified albumin solution

The usefulness of a modified albumin solution was assessed in 8 dogs after peripheral venous and inferior vena cava injections. The contrast agent is a mixed solution made of glucose, albumin and glycerin, with sonicated microbubble diameter of 5.0 +/- 2.3 microns. Multiple injections (8 ml each) of this contrast agent (total 80 injections) into peripheral vein and inferior cava were performed. The blood pressure from femoral artery was measured before, during and after injections. Two-dimensional echocardiograms were recorded in a modified long axis view on videotapes for play back analysis. The pulmonary transit time and left ventricular contrast persistent time was determined for each injection. The videodensity of the region of interest (ROI) at the center of right ventricle and left ventricle was measured. The background videodensity of both ventricles was evaluated. The videodensity over the ROI of both ventricles with peak contrast enhancement was measured in all frames for 3 consecutive cardiac cycles. The peak videodensity of right and left ventricle subtracting the background videodensity of each ventricles was further calculated respectively. The injections caused no change in blood pressure or heart rate. All injections produced right ventricular contrast echo. As much as 85% of peripheral venous and 82.5% of inferior vena cava injections resulted in left ventricular contrast which was 0.68 and 0.65 as bright as that produced in the right ventricle. Pulmonary transit time and left ventricle contrast persistent time of peripheral venous injection was 4.05 +/- 0.53 and 13.67 +/- 4.28 seconds respectively. No difference of these data (3.93 +/- 0.47 and 11.65 +/- 4.66 seconds) from those produced by inferior vena cava injections were noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quantitative analysis of the coronary angiograms

This was a two-step study performed to assess the validity of a computer system in the quantification of coronary arterial angiography (CAG). First, the in vitro study involved 10 aluminum tubes in different internal diameters but the same thickness which were pre-filled with 76% urograffin followed by cinefilm taking. Acquisition and digitization of the stop film was undertaken by a videocamera linking to a computer system. The internal diameters and mean gray levels of all tubes were measured to compare with the real diameters and areas. Second, the in vivo study calculated the percentage of stenosis by visual estimation, diameter measurement and gray level measurement by the computer system from 22 vessels in 13 coronary angiograms. The percentage of patency is the ratio of the diameter or gray level from stenotic region to that of normal region in the CAG. The calculated interobserver variability by visual estimation, diameter measurement and Mean gray level measurement were studied. Good correlation was found between measured diameters and true tube diameters (r = 0.99), and between gray level and tube areas (r = 0.94). The diameter measured by computer and the gray level had lower variability (4.0% and 5.7% respectively) than visual estimation (9.8%) did. Thus, the diameter and densitometric gray level measurements might have clinical implications to assess the coronary arterial stenosis from the coronary angiograms.

Tailgut cyst with carcinoid: a case report

Tailgut cyst, an unusual presacral lesion, is lined by a variety of epithelial types including squamous, columnar, transitional and cuboidal epithelium. Disorganized fascicles of smooth muscle may be seen in the cystic wall. Tailgut cysts are usually multiloculated, and often afflict adult women. In rare cases, adenocarcinoma arises within the tailgut cyst. We present a carcinoid tumor developing from the tailgut cyst. The tumor cells grow in ribbon and festoon patterns and are positive for argyrophilic granules. Immunostains for neuron-specific enolase are also positive. Ultrastructurally, dense-core, membrane-bounded neurosecretory granules are present.

The value of transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiac metastasis

To assess the diagnostic value of transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiography (TEE) as compared with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), TTE and TEE were performed in eight consecutive patients (age range from 20 to 76 years, six male and two female) with clinical evidence of malignant tumors arising from the liver (n = 1), lung (n = 3), larynx (n = 1), osteogenic sarcoma (n = 1), lymphoma (n = 1), and yolk sac tumor in the anterior mediastinum (n = 1). In one case, the gastroscope could not be inserted because of tumor compression of the esophagus. Transesophageal echocardiography provided superior imaging in the detection of intracavitary metastatic lesions. In the case of right ventricular outflow tract tumor and greater vessel involvement, TTE may provide more imaging than TEE due to a blind area in this region by the transesophageal approach. In conclusion, TEE is complementary to TTE in the diagnosis of metastatic cardiac tumor.

Transesophageal color Doppler flow mapping of iatrogenic left-to-right interatrial shunting after percutaneous transluminal mitral valvotomy

Characteristics of transesophageal color Doppler flow mapping of iatrogenic left-to-right interatrial shunts were assessed in 58 patients, 1 to 994 days after percutaneous transluminal mitral valvotomy. Transesophageal color Doppler flow mapping detected 22 cases of interatrial shunt whereas transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography visualized only five interatrial septal defects. Five types of color Doppler flow patterns of interatrial shunts were found: type 1, a bluish jet passing through the interatrial septum into the right atrium with a small bluish proximal flow in the left atrium (50%); type 2, a bluish jet passing through the interatrial septum into the right atrium without a proximal flow (13.6%); type 3, a predominant bluish proximal flow in the left atrium passing through the interatrial septum with minimal flow entering into the right atrium (18.2%); type 4, an "en face" bluish jet in the right atrium (4.5%); and type 5, a "wall jet" with proximal flow adhering to and entering into the interatrial septum (13.6%). Oximetry demonstrated increased pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (range 1.07 to 3.32) in 11 patients (50%), which was significantly correlated with the maximal jet area derived from color Doppler flow mapping (r = 0.80, P = 0.001). Thus, transesophageal color Doppler flow mapping is useful in detection of left-to-right interatrial shunts after percutaneous transluminal mitral valvotomy, and recognition of the variable types of color flow mapping may further help identify these atypical interatrial shunts.

Artifact simulating ventricular and atrial arrhythmia

We describe a patient whose electrocardiograms showed ventricular tachycardia and atrial flutter which could be reproduced by arm movements. Careful review of the initiation and termination of the arrhythmia, the relation of the arrhythmia to body motion, and the associated symptoms and signs may be helpful to differentiate artifact from true arrhythmia.

Surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in the cirrhotic liver

A total of 80 patients with asymptomatic small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with liver cirrhosis underwent a liver resection. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the location of their tumor: group A (n = 9): left lateral segmentectomy or left hepatectomy, group B (n = 42): atypical partial hepatectomy on the lateral aspect of the right lobe, group C (n = 25): subsegmentectomy on either the anterior or the posterior surface of the right lobe, group D (n = 4): subsegmentectomy in the hilar area. There were two postoperative deaths (both in group D) and five cases of hospital mortality (1 case due to myocardial infarction in group C; 1 case due to bleeding esophageal varices in group B and 2 cases in group C; and 1 case due to fulminating hepatitis in group B). There was no any significant difference in tumor size, the preoperative serum bromosulfaphthalein retention rate or the postoperative peak serum conjugated bilirubin level among all the groups (p less than 0.05). The weights of the resected specimens were higher in groups A and B (259 +/- 58 g, 230 +/- 154 g) than in groups C and D (54 +/- 32 g, 37.5 +/- 15.0 g) (p less than 0.05). The amount of blood required for transfusion during surgery in group D (3,625 +/- 3,146 mL) was significantly greater than in the other three, groups (p less than 0.05); and was also greater in groups B and C (1,649 +/- 880 mL, 1,635 +/- 1,156 mL), than in group A (444 +/- 273 mL; p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the effects of saccharide binding and crystallization on the zinc transition-metal site of concanavalin A

The Zn site in concanavalin A solution was studied by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) with and without the saccharide methyl alpha-D-glucoside (aMG) bound to the protein. No structural change occurs in the metal-binding site when the saccharide is bound to the protein. There is, however, evidence for structural change remote from the metal site. This is in contrast to the significant changes that we have previously found to occur in the near neighborhood of the Zn atom when an aqueous solution of Zn concanavalin A crystallizes. We propose a structural explanation of these facts based on the known crystal structure of concanavalin A.

Role of the N- and C-terminal actin-binding domains of gelsolin in barbed filament end capping

Gelsolin is a bivalent Ca(2+)-modulated actin-binding protein that severs, nucleates, and caps filaments. In order to gain a better understanding of the capping mechanism we have studied N- and C-terminal gelsolin fragments, 14NT and 41CT, each of which contains a single functional actin-binding site. The very tight binding measured between gelsolin and the barbed filament end requires gelsolin to greatly decrease the dissociation rate constant of the terminal actin from this end. A mechanism that could account for the observed decrease in dissociation is one in which gelsolin links two actin monomers so that they dissociate more slowly as a dimer. This cannot be the only mechanism, however, since, as shown here, 14NT and 41CT, fragments with single actin-binding sites, decrease the dissociation rate of the capped terminal actin molecule. The observations suggest that these fragments induce a conformational change in the actin monomer that either increases the affinity or alters the kinetics of the terminal actin-actin bond. The available data argue for strengthening of the terminal actin-actin bond.

Detection of acute myocardial infarction by evaluation of ultrasonic gray levels in dogs

The study tested whether an experimental myocardial infarction can be detected from two-dimensional echocardiograms (2DE) by analysis of regional gray levels. The mid-left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 3 hours in 14 dogs (group 1) and for 5 hours in 6 dogs (group 2). 2DE were performed before, and after 3 and 5 hours of coronary artery ligation. The ultrasonic amplitude of the control and infarcted regions were obtained from digitized 2DE in the short axis view, at the mid-papillary muscle level. The mean gray levels (+/- SD) of the control and infarcted regions were compared during end-diastolic stop frames. After sacrifice, the hearts were cut into 1 cm thick slices and stained with 1% triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) solution. The myocardium was then studied by light microscopy. Computerized tomographic scans were also obtained in vitro from 3 hearts of both groups. There was no difference in mean gray levels of the control region during the experiments. However, in the region of wall motion abnormality (area of infarction), the mean gray levels increased from 49.9 +/- 3.5 (before ligation) to 62.0 +/- 7.4 (after 3 hours of ligation, p less than 0.005) in 10 group 1 dogs, but no differences were seen in mean gray levels (49.6 +/- 3.8 vs 50.4 +/- 4.0) in those without a myocardial infarction in 4 group 1 dogs; gray levels also increased from 50.4 +/- 2.9 (before ligation) to 58.6 +/- 6.1 (after 3 hours of ligation, p less than 0.05) and to 65.0 +/- 4.2 (after 5 hours of ligation, p less than 0.005) in group 2 dogs. The area of left ventricular asynergy corresponded precisely to the area of myocardial infarction, determined by both TTC staining and the computerized tomographic scans. The light microscopy of the infarcted area also demonstrated interstitial edema and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration.

The frequency of patent foramen ovale in patients with ischemic stroke: a transesophageal echocardiographic study

Transesophageal echocardiography has been described as superior to transthoracic echocardiography in the detection of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Utilizing both methods, we were able to determine the frequency of PFO in younger adult patients with ischemic stroke (patient group) and in age-matched control subjects (control group). Thirty-four patients under 55 years of age with cerebral or retinal ischemic attacks (mean age 39 years) and 40 controls (mean age 39 years) were studied. Transesophageal echocardiography detected a significantly higher frequency of PFO in the patient group (44%) than in the control group (18%, p less than 0.05). In comparison with transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography found a higher frequency of PFO in both the patient group (12% vs 44%, p less than 0.01) and the control group (3% vs 18%, p less than 0.05). All of the foramina proved to be patent by transthoracic echocardiography were also found by transesophageal echocardiography. The results suggest that transesophageal echocardiography is a sensitive method for demonstrating PFO. Paradoxical embolism through an interatrial communication (PFO) may be a possible cause of strokes in the young adult.

X-ray absorption fine structure investigation of the zinc transition metal binding site of Zn concanavalin A in solution and in the crystal

We report details on measurements by the X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) technique of the conformational changes around the transition metal binding site (S1) of the protein concanavalin A induced by crystallization when that site is occupied by Zn. A change from hexa- to tetracoordination occurs at the S1 site on crystallization when the calcium-binding site (S2) is occupied by a calcium atom. When the S2 site is unoccupied, the Zn is pentacoordinated both in solution and in the crystal. The average distance to the coordination shell increases with coordination number as expected. Conformational changes are detected up to 4.5 A from the Zn, the limit of sensitivity of the XAFS technique. When the Zn is hexacoordinated, the ligands around the Zn, as determined by XAFS, are consistent with the crystal structure determination results of five oxygens and one nitrogen. The atom that is released in the tetracoordinated Zn. decreases to five is an oxygen atom, and, in addition, the nitrogen is released in the tetracoordinated Zn. Thus, when S2 is emptied, the protein gains a ligand about the Zn site in the crystal and loses one in solution. These results provide direct evidence that the protein conformation can be altered by the intermolecular forces of crystallization.